The Korean language features two main numbering systems: Sino-Korean (borrowed from Chinese) and Native Korean. Whether you’re planning a trip, studying Korean, or just curious, mastering these numbers will help you communicate prices, phone numbers, and more. In this guide, you’ll discover how to say numbers in Korean step by step—complete with tables, pronunciation tips, and usage examples.
Understanding Korean Number Systems
Korean uses two different systems to express numbers, each with unique applications:
- Sino-Korean – Derived from Chinese, commonly used for dates, money, addresses, phone numbers, and larger quantities.
- Native Korean – Used for counting objects, people, and hours (in telling time). This system is often preferred for everyday counts from 1 to 99.
Why Two Systems?
Historically, Korean incorporated Chinese characters for official documents and advanced concepts, including numbers. Over time, native terms coexisted with the borrowed system, leading to two sets of number words. Modern Korean speakers effortlessly switch between these systems based on context.
Sino-Korean Numbers
Sino-Korean numbers are straightforward once you learn the base forms. They’re used widely in daily life (especially for phone numbers and currency). Below is a handy reference:
| Number | Sino-Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 일 | il |
| 2 | 이 | i |
| 3 | 삼 | sam |
| 4 | 사 | sa |
| 5 | 오 | o |
| 10 | 십 | sip |
| 100 | 백 | baek |
| 1000 | 천 | cheon |
4,000원 (사천 원, “sa-cheon won”) – Sino-Korean is used for money, so you’d say “사천 원” for 4,000 won.
Native Korean Numbers
Used primarily for counting objects, people, and hours (when telling time). Unlike Sino-Korean, Native Korean numbers only go up to 99 before Sino-Korean takes over. Here’s a quick look at the first few:
| Number | Native Korean | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 하나 | ha-na |
| 2 | 둘 | dool |
| 3 | 셋 | set |
| 4 | 넷 | net |
| 5 | 다섯 | da-seot |
| 10 | 열 | yeol |
| 20 | 스물 | seu-mul |
| 30 | 서른 | seo-reun |
– “I have three books” → 책 세 권 있어요 (using native numbers).
– “It’s 2 o’clock” → 지금 두 시예요 (native for hours).
Combining Numbers in Korean
Sino-Korean numbers combine systematically using base forms (e.g., 11 = 십일, “sip-il,” 21 = 이십일, “i-sip-il”). Native numbers do something similar for small numbers, but after 99, Sino-Korean is typically used.
When telling time, remember that you use native numbers for hours and Sino-Korean for minutes. For example, 3:25 is 세 시 이십오 분.
Quick Practice
Practicing out loud helps cement the rhythms of Korean counting. Try mixing up tasks, like reading a price tag or stating the time of day, to reinforce your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sino-Korean is typically used for currency and large numbers, like 1,000원 (천 원).
Use Native Korean for hours (e.g., 두 시), but Sino-Korean for minutes (e.g., 삼십 분).
Numbers 1-99 are usually in Native Korean. For example, 하나 (1), 둘 (2), 셋 (3).
They’re often mixed for specific uses (time, currency, age). The context generally dictates which system to use.